Breathe
By Dayana Aronovich
With the arrival of Claudia Sheinbaum to the presidency of Mexico, a unique opportunity opens up to address one of our country's most pressing problems: public health. In a country where diabetes is the second leading cause of death, according to INEGI, the promotion of sport and physical activity becomes an essential priority.
Sport is not only a crucial tool to combat diseases such as diabetes, but it is also fundamental to the overall wellbeing of the population. Sheinbaum's administration, being the first woman to hold the presidency of Mexico, has the potential to lead with an inclusive and progressive approach that recognizes the importance of physical and mental health for the development of a stronger and more resilient society.
In Mexico, only 33% of women reported being physically active, according to the most recent INEGI's Sports Practice and Physical Exercise Module.
Sheinbaum has a great opportunity to make disruptive changes, for example, with new approaches to sport in Mexico. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that sport and physical activity should not be limited to gyms and parks. Exercising at home has become a common and viable practice, allowing people to stay active no matter the circumstances. This paradigm shift should be supported and promoted by the government, providing resources and programs that facilitate the practice of sport at home.
Physical activity should not be a luxury, but a right within the reach of every person, regardless of their economic or social status. The new administration has the opportunity to work together with companies and organizations to ensure that all Mexicans have access to affordable, quality sports equipment and exercise programs tailored to various needs. Sheinbaum has promised to promote sports activation house by house, motivating the entire population to practice sports as a means to prevent chronic degenerative diseases.
As a woman leader, Sheinbaum can inspire other women and girls to become more active in sports. Historically, women have faced barriers to accessing and excelling in the sporting arena. With a president committed to gender equity, we can look forward to policies that encourage female participation in all sports disciplines, from physical education in schools to community sports programs, at home or in major competitions.
The promotion of sports is not only a matter of health, but also of social justice and human development. By investing in the promotion of physical activity, we are investing in a healthier and more equitable future for all Mexicans. The Sheinbaum administration has the responsibility and opportunity to lead this change, creating an environment where sport and health are national priorities.
From the private sector, expectations are high to share experiences and support sports as an integral part of the lives of all Mexicans. Sheinbaum, who practiced ballet and rowing at UNAM, understands firsthand the benefits of sport and is committed to its promotion. In addition, she has proposed the creation of a mixed sports fund, in which large sports companies and the government itself would provide resources. This proposal includes the creation of a public and private fund to financially support high-performance athletes in their competitions; if so, the companies are ready. Because we believe that when sports are accessible to all, we all win.
*Dayana Aronovich is the founder of U Can, a brand dedicated to the sale of accessible and inclusive sporting goods and clothing. U Cam is a Mexican brand, founded in mid-2020 by sisters Dayana and Dafna Aronovich, which produces and markets sporting goods for the practice of yoga, pilates and barre.
U Can's product family is divided into yoga mats, ballet and barre bars, weights, gaiters, accessories and sportswear.
*DayanaAronovich is founder of U Can
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
Comments ()